The AACR special conference on Immunobiology of Primary and Metastatic Central Nervous System (CNS) Cancer will focus on neuroimmunology, mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis, and multidisciplinary approaches in combination with immunotherapy for CNS tumors. The goal of this conference, being presented in association with the Cancer Immunology Working Group of the AACR, is to integrate rapidly developing advances in neuroimmunology and cancer immunotherapy, so that we will gain in-depth understanding of the unique immunologic environment of CNS tumors, which used to be described as “immunologically privileged,” and develop novel therapeutic and prevention strategies for both primary and secondary (metastatic) CNS cancers.

Primary malignant brain tumors are a major unmet clinical challenge. In addition, because of improvements in control of systemic disease and the consequent prolongation of life span, the incidence of secondary brain cancer is increasing. Therefore, both primary and secondary CNS cancers remain two of the most complicated areas of oncology. Furthermore, recent incidences of serious neurotoxicity in patients receiving CAR T therapy for their hematopoietic malignancy underscore the need for better understanding of interactions between the CNS and the systemic immune system.

The conference will bring together internationally recognized basic, translational, and clinical researchers who will present their latest research towards the understanding of CNS tumors. This will be the first AACR conference that focuses on immunotherapy of these tumors. Please join us at this novel conference, which will provide CNS cancer researchers and clinicians with a platform for the exchange of ideas and the establishment of new collaboration to propel the field forward.